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That play as would sound more like an errata. But YMT is correct, X is always dynamic. So yes X would change because of that. Also, I don't think X can be something that is your option.

Except that is not how that particular ruling has been defined.  Like it was pointed out, if all we had was the proposed play-as/errata in that quote, we could argue.  The rest of the quote clarifies that the X is at that moment, not updating during the ability.

X is only dynamic as a strength or toughness, but not as part of a special ability. Abilities activate when you play the card, so the X of the "play as" would not activate, change, reactivate... But either way, I agree that this whole subject needs some clarification.

Actually, X can be dynamic in SA.  Continuous abilities based on X (like Thaddeus) update continuously, and in the case of instant abilities (like Head of Gold), if they are interrupted the X updates when it reactivates.

Redoubter, your correct, X is dynamic. The Zebulun ruling explained that X is always dynamic, but if the effect is completed, you can't do anything else, (ie If another Babylonian is played after Head of Gold completed, I can't capture another Human, even though X has increased) I could back that up, if the Search option worked...

Yep, that's the way it normally works, but this particular case has been defined differently in that ruling, and wouldn't update during the ability after the initial placement of the X.  Unless they change the ruling or we get some clarification.

X is dynamic when it's defined by a dynamic circumstance. When X is whatever you choose, you get to choose it once.

This.  Zeb's X, for example, is dynamic because it is defined as something that can change (and the holder does not choose it).  Arrogance's X is chosen once.

Although...  Is there anything stopping me from choosing X = 100, and that way if I draw cards with Dream or Swift Horses, I can play more enhancements?  Arrogance would still work if it said "Play 10 enhancements.  Initiative passes when you are done playing enhancements" and you could only play 3, right?  You would "do as much as you can", I think.

If one of the enhancements you choose to play with Arrogance is Swift Horses, you still get to play another enhancement due to SH's play ability (which is part of SH resolving which, in turn, is part of Arrogance resolving). There isn't a problem unless you draw 2 enhancements you want to play, and even then you shouldn't be complaining as you've already plopped Arrogance and are no doubt messing thoroughly with your opponent.

Quote from: jmhartz on June 05, 2012, 08:07:30 AM

Although...  Is there anything stopping me from choosing X = 100, and that way if I draw cards with Dream or Swift Horses, I can play more enhancements?

No.  By the current wording of the ruling, you choose X and play them all on the table at once, at that time.  So you cannot choose a higher X and play them later, they must be played at that moment.

"I asked Mike to include a Play As for Arrogance in the REG update that is coming out this weekend.  If things go smoothly come Monday Arrogance will have the play as, "Holder may play X enhancements."  With the new identifier: "X = any number that holder chooses" "

I see nothing stopping me from choosing any number I want to be X.  It doesn't say "X <= the number of evil enhancements in your hand" or any other limiter.  It just says "X = any number that holder chooses".  And when X is chosen, Arrogance's ability then says "Holder may play X enhancements", which is not cost-benefit, but do-as-much-as-you-can (like Zeal, Two Possessed by Demons, etc).

I think the ability would work best if it was phrased "You may play an enhancement.  If you play an enhancement, you may play an enhancement."  This would solve all issues with this card, I believe, including any related to drawing cards while Arrogance is activating.

Quote from: SirNobody on July 23, 2009, 04:49:51 PM

Arrogance is like Babel for enhancements.  You choose a certain number of enhancements to play put them all into play at once, they then take effect in the order you choose.  Once the last enhancement completes you determine initiative normally (giving a character the opportunity to negate their own removal from battle if that is applicable).

That was the ruling, and the important part is bold.  The ruling currently is (unless an Elder would step in to clarify all of this for us) that you choose X, play them all at once on the table, and they activate.  You don't get to play more if you draw them, only if a SA requires it.  That's the ruling of the card and the proposed Play-As, which the same Elder gave (and another agreed with by reposting it).

We really need them to confirm all of this and clarify the card, but that's where it stands.

The problem is, then, that the Play As does not match what Sir Nobody said the card should do.  X is defined in the Play As as "any number that holder chooses", not "any number of evil enhancements that holder has in hand".  And from the ever-so-popular Split Altar ruling (and others), we know that what a card's ability/identifier was intended to do doesn't matter - what matters is what it actually does.

You are right though, we need Elder clarification.  Especially because that Play As isn't even in the REG entry for Arrogance.